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Gwacham-Anisiobi U, Boo YY, Oladimeji A, Kurinczuk JJ, Roberts N, Opondo C, Nair M. Effects of community-based interventions for stillbirths in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 67:102386. [PMID: 38152414 PMCID: PMC10751841 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) alone contributed to 42% of global stillbirths in 2019, and the rate of stillbirth reduction has remained slow. There has been an increased uptake of community-based interventions to combat stillbirth in the region, but the effects of these interventions have been poorly assessed. Our objectives were to examine the effect of community-based interventions on stillbirth in SSA. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched eight databases (MEDLINE [OvidSP], Embase [OvidSP], Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Global Health, Science Citation Index and Social Science Citation index [Web of Science Core Collection], CINAHL [EBSCOhost] and Global Index Medicus) and four grey literature sources from January 1, 2000 to July 7, 2023 for relevant studies from SSA. Community-based interventions targeting stillbirths solely or as part of complex interventions, with or without hospital interventions were included, while hospital-only interventions, microcredit schemes and maternity waiting home interventions were excluded. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias and National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's tools. The study outcome was odds of stillbirth in intervention versus control communities. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using random-effects models, and subgroup analyses were performed by intervention type and strategies. Publication bias was evaluated by funnel plot and Egger's test. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021296623. Findings Of the 4223 records identified, seventeen studies from fifteen SSA countries were eligible for inclusion. One study had four arms (community only, hospital only, community and hospital, and control arms), so information was extracted from each arm. Analysis of 13 of the 17 studies which had community-only intervention showed that the odds of stillbirth did not vary significantly between community-based intervention and control groups (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.78-1.17, I2 = 57%, p ≤ 0.01, n = 63,884). However, analysis of four (out of five) studies that included both community and health facility components found that in comparison with community only interventions, this combination strategy significantly reduced the odds of stillbirth by 17% (OR 0.83; 95% CI 0.79-0.87, I2 = 11%, p = 0.37, n = 244,868), after excluding a study with high risk of bias. The quality of the 17 studies were graded as poor (n = 2), fair (n = 9) and good (n = 6). Interpretation Community-based interventions alone, without strengthening the quality and capacity of health facilities, are unlikely to have a substantial effect on reducing stillbirths in SSA. Funding Nuffield Department of Population Health, Balliol College, the Clarendon Fund, Medical Research Council.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uchenna Gwacham-Anisiobi
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yebeen Ysabelle Boo
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jennifer J. Kurinczuk
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nia Roberts
- Bodleian Health Care Libraries, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Charles Opondo
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manisha Nair
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Gwacham-Anisiobi U, Boo YY, Oladimeji A, Kurinczuk JJ, Roberts N, Opondo C, Nair M. Types, reporting and acceptability of community-based interventions for stillbirth prevention in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): a systematic review. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 62:102133. [PMID: 37593225 PMCID: PMC10430180 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Community-based interventions are increasingly being implemented in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) for stillbirth prevention, but the nature of these interventions, their reporting and acceptability are poorly assessed. In addition to understanding their effectiveness, complete reporting of the methods, results and intervention acceptability is essential as it could potentially reduce research waste from replication of inadequately implemented and unacceptable interventions. We conducted a systematic review to investigate these aspects of community-based interventions for preventing stillbirths in SSA. Methods In this systematic review, eight databases (MEDLINE(OvidSP), Embase (OvidSP), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Global Health, Science Citation Index and Social Science Citation index (Web of Science Core Collection), CINAHL (EBSCOhost) and Global Index Medicus) and four grey literature sources were searched from January 1, 2000 to July 7, 2023 for relevant quantitative and qualitative studies from SSA (PROSPERO-CRD42021296623). Following deduplication, abstract screening and full-text review, studies were included if the interventions were community-based with or without a health facility component. The main outcomes were types of community-based interventions, completeness of intervention reporting using the TIDier (Template for Intervention Description and replication) checklist, and themes related to intervention acceptability identified using a theoretical framework. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias and National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's tools. Findings Thirty-nine reports from thirty-four studies conducted in 18 SSA countries were eligible for inclusion. Four types of interventions were identified: nutritional, infection prevention, access to skilled childbirth attendants and health knowledge/behaviour of women. These interventions were implemented using nine strategies: mHealth (defined as the use of mobile and wireless technologies to support the achievement of health objectives), women's groups, community midwifery, home visits, mass media sensitisation, traditional birth attendant and community volunteer training, community mobilisation and transport vouchers. The completeness of reporting using the TIDier checklist varied across studies with a very low proportion of the included studies reporting the intervention intensity, dosing, tailoring and modification. The quality of the included studies were graded as poor (n = 6), fair (n = 14) and good (n = 18). Though interventions were acceptable, only 4 (out of 7) studies explored women's perceptions, mostly focusing on perceived intervention effects and how they felt, omitting key constructs like ethicality, opportunity cost and burden of participation. Interpretation Different community-based interventions have been tried and evaluated for stillbirth prevention in SSA. The reproducibility and implementation scale-up of these interventions may be limited by incomplete intervention descriptions in the published literature. To strengthen impact, it is crucial to holistically explore the acceptability of these interventions among women and their families. Funding Clarendon/Balliol/NDPH DPhil scholarship for UGA. MN is funded by a Medical Research Council Transition Support Award (MR/W029294/1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Uchenna Gwacham-Anisiobi
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yebeen Ysabelle Boo
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jennifer J. Kurinczuk
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nia Roberts
- Bodleian Health Care Libraries, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Charles Opondo
- London Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manisha Nair
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Limbada M, Bwalya C, Macleod D, Shibwela O, Floyd S, Nzara D, Situmbeko V, Hayes R, Fidler S, Ayles H. Acceptability and Preferences of Two Different Community Models of ART Delivery in a High Prevalence Urban Setting in Zambia: Cluster-Randomized Trial, Nested in the HPTN 071 (PopART) Study. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:328-338. [PMID: 34304330 PMCID: PMC8813709 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03385-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Community delivery of Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a novel innovation to increase sustainable ART coverage for People living with HIV (PLHIV) in resource limited settings. Within a nested cluster-randomised sub-study in two urban communities that participated in the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial in Zambia we investigated individual acceptability and preferences for ART delivery models. Stable PLHIV were enrolled in a cluster-randomized trial of three different models of ART: Facility-based delivery (SoC), Home-based delivery (HBD) and Adherence clubs (AC). Consenting individuals were asked to express their stated preference for ART delivery options. Those assigned to the community models of ART delivery arms could choose ("revealed preference") between the assigned arm and facility-based delivery. In total 2489 (99.6%) eligible individuals consented to the study and 95.6% chose community models of ART delivery rather than facility-based delivery when offered a choice. When asked to state their preference of model of ART delivery, 67.6% did not state a preference of one model over another, 22.8% stated a preference for HBD, 5.0% and 4.6% stated a preference for AC and SoC, respectively. Offering PLHIV choices of community models of ART delivery is feasible and acceptable with majority expressing HBD as their stated preferred option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Limbada
- Zambart House, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Ridgeway Campus, Off Nationalist Road, P.O. Box 50697, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Chiti Bwalya
- Zambart House, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Ridgeway Campus, Off Nationalist Road, P.O. Box 50697, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - David Macleod
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Osborn Shibwela
- Zambart House, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Ridgeway Campus, Off Nationalist Road, P.O. Box 50697, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Sian Floyd
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Diana Nzara
- Zambart House, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Ridgeway Campus, Off Nationalist Road, P.O. Box 50697, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Vasty Situmbeko
- Zambart House, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Ridgeway Campus, Off Nationalist Road, P.O. Box 50697, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Richard Hayes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sarah Fidler
- Imperial College, United Kingdom and Imperial College NIHR BRC, London, UK
| | - Helen Ayles
- Zambart House, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Ridgeway Campus, Off Nationalist Road, P.O. Box 50697, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - the HPTN 071 (PopART) Study Team
- Zambart House, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Ridgeway Campus, Off Nationalist Road, P.O. Box 50697, Lusaka, Zambia
- Imperial College, United Kingdom and Imperial College NIHR BRC, London, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Mushamiri I, Belai W, Sacks E, Genberg B, Gupta S, Perry HB. Evidence on the effectiveness of community-based primary health care in improving HIV/AIDS outcomes for mothers and children in low- and middle-income countries: Findings from a systematic review. J Glob Health 2021; 11:11001. [PMID: 34327001 PMCID: PMC8284540 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.11.11001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effectiveness of community-based primary health care (CBPHC) interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially for maternal, neonatal and child health, is well established. However, there has not been a systematic review of the literature on the effectiveness of CBPHC on HIV outcomes derived from rigorous assessments of primary studies. Using peer-reviewed studies of randomized interventions or those containing a specified control group and directly measuring clinical HIV outcomes, we provide evidence for the effectiveness of CBPHC on HIV outcomes for mothers and children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHODS Eligibility criteria included studies assessing the effectiveness of community-based HIV interventions with or without a facility-based component, or multiple integrated projects, with outcome measures defining an aspect of HIV health status such as the utilization of prevention or health care services, nutritional status, serious morbidity (including clinical measures of HIV progression) or mortality of children aged five or younger and pregnant women. Articles published through June 3, 2020 were identified by searching four databases. The type of community-based projects implemented, the implementors, and the implementation strategies of each program were identified and the impact on HIV-related outcomes assessed. RESULTS The search yielded 10 537 articles; 4881 underwent title and abstract screening after removing duplicates. Of these, 117 studies qualified for full-text screening; only 22 were included in the final analysis. Most studies showed that community-based interventions improved HIV prevention and treatment outcomes compared to facility-based approaches alone. Each study had at least one statistically significant HIV-related outcome; the non-significant outcomes found in six of the 22 studies were mostly not related to HIV programming. Most interventions were implemented by community health workers; other implementers were government workers, community members, or research staff. Strategies used included peer-to-peer education, psychosocial support, training of community champions, community-based follow-up care, home-based care, and integrated care. CONCLUSIONS CBPHC strategies are effective in improving population-based, HIV-related health outcomes for mothers and children, especially in combination with facility-based approaches. However, there is a need to assess the scalability of such interventions and integrate them into existing health systems to assess their impact on the HIV pandemic in more routine settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivy Mushamiri
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Wintana Belai
- Department of International Health, Division of Health Systems, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Emma Sacks
- Department of International Health, Division of Health Systems, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Becky Genberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sundeep Gupta
- University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Henry B Perry
- Department of International Health, Division of Health Systems, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Matthews LT, Orrell C, Bwana MB, Tsai AC, Psaros C, Asiimwe S, Amanyire G, Musinguzi N, Bell K, Bangsberg DR, Haberer JE. Adherence to HIV antiretroviral therapy among pregnant and postpartum women during the Option B+ era: 12-month cohort study in urban South Africa and rural Uganda. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25586. [PMID: 32820622 PMCID: PMC7441010 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We conducted a cohort study to understand patterns of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) adherence during pregnancy, postpartum and non-pregnancy follow-up among women initiating ART in public clinics offering Option B+ in rural Uganda and urban South Africa. METHODS We collected survey data, continuously monitored ART adherence (Wisepill), HIV-RNA and pregnancy tests at zero, six and twelve months from women initiating ART in Uganda and South Africa, 2015 to 2017. The primary predictor of interest was follow-up time categorized as pregnant (pregnancy diagnosis to pregnancy end), postpartum (pregnancy end to study exit) or non-pregnancy-related (neither pregnant nor postpartum). Fractional regression models included demographics and socio-behavioural factors informed by the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations. We evaluated HIV-RNA at 12 months by ever- versus never-pregnant status. RESULTS In Uganda, 247 women contributed 676, 900 and 1274 months of pregnancy, postpartum and non-pregnancy-related follow-up. Median ART adherence was consistently ≥90%: pregnancy, 94% (interquartile range [IQR] 78,98); postpartum, 90% (IQR 70,97) and non-pregnancy, 90% (IQR 80,98). Poorer adherence was associated with younger age (0.98% [95% CI 0.33%, 1.62%] average increase per year of age) and higher CD4 cell count (1.01% [0.08%, 1.94%] average decrease per 50 cells/mm3 ). HIV-RNA was suppressed among 91% (N = 135) ever-pregnant and 86% (N = 85) never-pregnant women. In South Africa, 190 women contributed 259, 624 and 1247 months of pregnancy, postpartum and non-pregnancy-related follow-up. Median adherence was low during pregnancy, 74% (IQR 31,96); postpartum, 40% (IQR 4,65) and non-pregnancy, 77% (IQR 47,92). Poorer adherence was associated with postpartum status (22.3% [95%CI 8.6%, 35.4%] average decrease compared to non-pregnancy-related follow-up) and less emotional support (1.4% [0.22%, 2.58%] average increase per unit increase). HIV-RNA was suppressed among 57% (N = 47) ever-pregnant and 86% (N = 93) never-pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS Women in rural Uganda maintained high adherence with 91% of ever-pregnant and 86% of never-pregnant women suppressing HIV-RNA at 12 months. Women in urban South Africa struggled with adherence, particularly during postpartum follow-up with median adherence of 40% and 57% of women with HIV-RNA suppression at one year, suggesting a crisis for postpartum women with HIV in South Africa. Findings suggest that effective interventions should promote emotional support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn T Matthews
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamALUSA
- Department of MedicineMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
| | | | | | - Alexander C Tsai
- Mbarara University of Science and TechnologyMbararaUganda
- Center for Global HealthMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
- Harvard Center for Population and Development StudiesBostonMAUSA
| | - Christina Psaros
- Department of PsychiatryMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Mbarara University of Science and TechnologyMbararaUganda
- Center for Global HealthMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Center (KCRC)KabwoheUganda
| | - Gideon Amanyire
- Makerere‐Mbarara Universities Joint AIDS Program (MJAP)MbararaUganda
| | - Nicholas Musinguzi
- Mbarara University of Science and TechnologyMbararaUganda
- Center for Global HealthMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
| | - Kathleen Bell
- Center for Global HealthMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
| | - David R Bangsberg
- School of Public HealthOregon Health and Science University/Portland State UniversityPortlandORUSA
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Department of MedicineMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
- Center for Global HealthMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
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Ahoua L, Tiendrebeogo T, Arikawa S, Lahuerta M, Aly D, Journot V, Abrams EJ, Becquet R, Dabis F. PMTCT care cascade and factors associated with attrition in the first four years after Option B+ implementation in Mozambique. Trop Med Int Health 2019; 25:222-235. [PMID: 31667997 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) Option B+ programme in two provinces with high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) burden in Mozambique over the first four years of programme implementation. METHODS We assessed the PMTCT cascade in antenatal care (ANC) from July 2013 to December 2017 using facility-level data and performed a retrospective cohort analysis with patient-level data. We compared the 12-month antiretroviral therapy (ART) retention rates between women with HIV infection who initiated ART under Option B+ ('B+ pregnant') and those who initiated ART for their own health ('own health'). RESULTS A total of 916 280 pregnant women enrolled in ANC. The proportion of women with a documented HIV status increased from 93% in 2013 to 96% in 2017. The proportion of those tested HIV-positive decreased from 8% to 6% while that of those HIV-positive on ART increased from 42% to 95%. Of the 44 377 HIV-positive women included in the analysis, 35% were lost to care. 'B+ pregnant' women initiating ART in 2015 were less likely to have no follow-up (NFU) compared with 'own health' women starting ART during the same period (adjusted odds ratio: 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64-0.94, P = 0.01). There was no statistical difference between the two groups during the other years in which ART was initiated. Of those returning for care after their first visit (N = 39 801), the 'B+ pregnant' women showed a higher risk of non-retention than the other group (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03-1.25) when ART was initiated in 2013. The risk decreased during the subsequent years, with no difference observed between the groups. CONCLUSION PMTCT Option B+ programme scale-up has yielded positive results, including the maintenance of high HIV testing and ART initiation rates in ANC. Challenges still remain, however, in improving immediate engagement in care and long-term retention. Seeking alternative service delivery models to support existing health systems and prevent defaulters is required to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets for PMTCT in Mozambique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Ahoua
- INSERM U1219 - Bordeaux Population Health, Institute for Public Health, Epidemiology, and Development, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France.,Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP at Columbia University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Thierry Tiendrebeogo
- INSERM U1219 - Bordeaux Population Health, Institute for Public Health, Epidemiology, and Development, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France
| | - Shino Arikawa
- INSERM U1219 - Bordeaux Population Health, Institute for Public Health, Epidemiology, and Development, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France
| | - Maria Lahuerta
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP at Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dario Aly
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP at Columbia University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Valerie Journot
- Centre INSERM U897-Epidemiologie-Biostatistique, Bordeaux, France
| | - Elaine J Abrams
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP at Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Renaud Becquet
- INSERM U1219 - Bordeaux Population Health, Institute for Public Health, Epidemiology, and Development, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France
| | - Francois Dabis
- INSERM U1219 - Bordeaux Population Health, Institute for Public Health, Epidemiology, and Development, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France
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Kontomanolis EN, Michalopoulos S, Gkasdaris G, Fasoulakis Z. The social stigma of HIV-AIDS: society's role. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2017; 9:111-118. [PMID: 28694709 PMCID: PMC5490433 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s129992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
AIDS is a devastating and deadly disease that affects people worldwide and, like all infections, it comes without warning. Specifically, childbearing women with AIDS face constant psychological difficulties during their gestation period, even though the pregnancy itself may be normal and healthy. These women have to deal with the uncertainties and the stress that usually accompany a pregnancy, and they have to live with the reality of having a life-threatening disease; in addition to that, they also have to deal with discriminating and stigmatizing behaviors from their environment. It is well known that a balanced mental state is a major determining factor to having a normal pregnancy and constitutes the starting point for having a good quality of life. Even though the progress in both technology and medicine is rapid, infected pregnant women seem to be missing this basic requirement. Communities seem unprepared and uneducated to smoothly integrate these people in their societies, letting the ignorance marginalize and isolate these patients. For all the aforementioned reasons, it is imperative that society and medical professionals respond and provide all the necessary support and advice to HIV-positive child bearers, in an attempt to allay their fears and relieve their distress. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the difficulties patients with HIV infection have to deal with, in order to survive and merge into society, identify the main reasons for the low public awareness, discuss the current situation, and provide potential solutions to reducing the stigma among HIV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel N Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Spyridon Michalopoulos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Grigorios Gkasdaris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Zacharias Fasoulakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Newell ML, Grimwood A, Cluver L, Fatti G, Sherr L. Children and HIV – a hop (hopefully), a skip (lamentably) and a jump (ideally)? AIDS Care 2016; 28 Suppl 2:1-6. [PMID: 27391992 PMCID: PMC4991223 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1176688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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